Eatonville Books Site For Future Library

EATONVILLE -- Town officials have found "a prime spot" to build Eatonville's first county-sponsored library -- on a plot of land on Kennedy Boulevard at College Avenue, right in the heart of town.

Council members tentatively approved the location on the town's main thoroughfare recently after their plans for a site next to the Denton Johnson Community Center were dashed last year.

"We like this site. It's in a prime spot," Mayor Anthony Grant said.

It's not quite a done deal. Eatonville still would have to work out an agreement with the owners of the property, Hungerford Trust and the Orange County School Board.

For several years, Eatonville officials have been looking to build a library in their community, saying it will enhance the town's identity and provide area children with educational materials and activities.

Town bookworms and students usually use the Edgewater Library, about three miles away, or the nearby Maitland Public Library, although they cannot check out books unless they pay a fee because they are not residents of that city.

Residents said they pay taxes to support the Orange County Library System, yet they don't have a branch within walking distance.

Martha Burgmon, who has lived in Eatonville more than 50 years, said the new location would be much safer for her young grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she frequently drives to the Edgewater Library, about a 15-minute trek in heavy traffic.

In the new spot "they wouldn't have to cross the street [Kennedy Boulevard]," she said.

"And because they're nearby, it will allow them to stay longer."

The proposed plan is for the town to provide the site and the building.

The Orange County Library System will then fund, stock and staff the library, said Marilyn Hoffman, director of community relations for the Orange County Library System.

The lease payments from the library system will pay off the construction loan and other associated debt.

Afterward, Eatonville would own the building.

Last year, the town selected a site near the Denton Johnson Community Center. That property already was dedicated by the state for outdoor recreation purposes only.

Grant sees the new site as a better location.

"Speaking as a resident, it makes sense for it to be on Kennedy [Boulevard]. It would make it more available to all of our residents,'' he said.

In 1972, Eatonville opened a small library on People Street near the fire station.